Medium format is the pinnacle of image quality. You can’t beat the physics of medium format. The price is also hard to beat, but in a bad way. Medium format is notoriously expensive. In this article, we will look at a few cameras that get me, as a medium format user, excited.
When I first picked up a medium format camera, I didn’t quite know how great it would be. It’s a bit like an addiction. Once you try it, you can’t stop. My trusty Phase One has already racked up a solid 100,000+ actuations since I first got it. The image quality and the dynamic range—oh, I can go on for ages about how great it is. It’s a bit like trying your first Michelin-star dinner or finding a wine you enjoy. Everything else is just not the same. It’s somehow different—not in a good way.
That said, nothing is perfect. Although I am content with my current camera, there are still a few things that I would like to improve, which is why I, every now and then, look at other cameras in search of a better solution. Since these cameras can get pricey, buying used through MPB is a good option to keep in mind. Even if a specific camera is out of stock at any given time, you can set up alerts through the site when one or more are available again. On the off chance you're looking to sell, it's also a great place to easily and safely sell your camera.
Phase One IQ4 150
For those who want the ultimate, this is it and will be for some time. Building on the Phase One XF system, this digital back is the greatest, best—everything it is. It is one of the most powerful camera systems available. With 15 stops of dynamic range, you will never miss detail, and with 16-bit color, you will have images with ultimate accuracy and precision. Of course, this is the largest sensor available on the consumer market, being almost a true 645 medium format sensor. Frankly, if you want everything in one, the IQ4 150 is the only way. A bonus is if you already own a Phase One XF system, as you will only need to buy the back. Be prepared to spend quite a bit on it, though.
Hasselblad X2D 100C
This camera is a step ahead and is aimed at both in-studio and out-of-studio use. As such, alongside the incredible 100 MP sensor and 1 TB of internal storage, this camera also features 5-axis internal stabilization. This allows you to get sharp images in low-light conditions without a tripod. If you are a landscape shooter, this is a game-changer. Before, this feature was available only in full frame and crop-sensor cameras. Now you are able to get this in medium format quality. Of course, this camera is also quite small, being mirrorless.
When compared to the Phase One, this is a really good choice for those photographers who shoot mostly outside of a studio but demand the quality of medium format. This camera is also, so far, one of the very few cameras on the market to come with built-in storage. Seems like a no-brainer, but Hasselblad was first to the party. No longer do you need to bring a memory card, which saves both money and stress.
Fujifilm GFX 100 II
This is a game-changer in the medium format world and a huge leap forward in what is possible for medium format shooters. The GFX 100 II naturally offers 16-bit color (the camera captures 14-bit, but image processing extends it to 16-bit) alongside incredible dynamic range. This is all packed into a small mirrorless package, meaning your setup will be incredibly light and portable. Sure, I love the Phase One, but it is a heavy camera. I do get tired of it—only a little bit.
The GFX 100 II is also made for high-speed photography. Yes, you read that right—a medium format camera made for high speed. It boasts 8 fps, making it among the fastest medium format cameras on the market, second to the Hasselblad, which can shoot 14. This is great news for those of us who need great image quality but won’t settle for the measly 1 fps that classic medium format cameras shoot.
The focus is also stunning on the Fujifilm GFX 100 II. While classic medium format cameras may have one center focusing point, the GFX 100 II takes full advantage of modern technology and, in fact, uses AI to detect humans, animals, birds, and other subjects.
Canon 5Ds
A dinosaur by today’s measures, this camera still delivers incredible image quality, all at a fairly low price. If all you care about is image quality and you don’t want to spend on a medium format camera, the Canon 5Ds might be for you. I still hold on to my 5Ds for various reasons—mainly as a backup and behind-the-scenes camera, though.
Still, if you are on a tight budget and want a high-resolution camera with great color science, go for this one. It is the budget full frame resolution king. Great for studio and location work, this camera might not be as light as its mirrorless counterparts, but it is still a great machine almost 10 years after its release. Compatible with EF lenses, you will always have a wide variety of lenses to choose from. They are also getting very inexpensive with the rise of the RF mount.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Speaking of the RF mount, this camera is the current king. It has a high-resolution sensor that medium format users will appreciate, but also a lot more that you might not find in medium format cameras today. Of course, it’s hard to compare a Phase One IQ4 150 back with a Canon R5 Mark II—they are not counterparts at all. Instead, they serve different markets and different photographers.
The R5 Mark II will still deliver great detail, but it will also do a lot more. It shoots bursts of up to 30 fps with the electronic shutter, meaning you won’t miss a moment. Additionally, it has up to 8.5 stops of IBIS, making it great for low-light shooting. The autofocus is second to none. While the Phase One has a single focusing point, the Canon R5 Mark II has dual pixel autofocus with AI features and eye control. This can mean the difference between a sharp and blurry image. It won’t beat medium format in a pure sensor comparison, but it will be night and day in every other regard.
Closing Thoughts
Ultimately, I am holding on to my Phase One IQ3 back and XF body. This camera system is perfect for the work I do, which is largely in a controlled environment where variables such as sudden movement or the so-called decisive moment are simply eliminated. I don’t need to worry about missing a shot because the action can usually be done again. I do, at the end of the day, worry about image quality and what color I can push. Have I delivered images out of focus? Absolutely—just yesterday, in fact. The time of writing is almost irrelevant here because I deliver somewhat out-of-focus images regularly.
Naturally, medium format cameras are expensive toys. If I were to buy my Phase One brand new, I would be spending tens of thousands. However, getting cameras second-hand saves you a lot of money, and you don’t really miss out on anything besides having more liquid cash. The best way to buy such gear is MPB—it is reliable and easy to trade in and purchase cameras through them, as they take the guesswork out of the equation. You get what you see, and you pay a fair price for it that is not higher—sometimes lower—than the used price on websites such as eBay.
Some time ago, MPB had an IQ4 150 back listed. Out of interest, I then offered my IQ3 100 for trade in. What they offered was just ridiculous, the official update route via Phase One is even better. BTW, what did MPB pay you for such statements?
MPB is a joke.. :) :) Offered 50€ for a B2 with 2 heads and 2 batteries. On the website they were selling them for 700€
I really like this articles and really hate people that say that 24 MP on full-frame it's enough. Because they are people bought or anchored in the past.
For information only:
· Hasselblad X2D 100C pixel pitch 3.76 μm
· Canon R5 mk2 pixel pitch 4.39 μm
Or just folks who never print bigger than 24". Which is the vast majority of folks.
So for the vast majority of people, who don't print, perhaps 4k (3840 * 2160 = 8,2 MP) is enough.
So why waste so speed, space and so on with 24 MP when 8 MP is enough??
I just looked. I can't find any modern camera (interchangeable lens, IBIS, superior AF, etc) with only 8 MP. Any suggestions?
Enough for what?
This partly explains why lots of folks who don't do video like Sony's 12MP a7S.
I’ve been using my Pentax 645Z since 2014. Love it enough to get another body. Super underrated.
"Before, this feature was available only in full frame and crop-sensor cameras."
Um, wait. So the IQ 4 doesn't capture a full frame? And, compared to it, a 35mm-format camera is not crop-sensor?
This language makes no sense.
Looks like the comment was talking about IBIS in the Hasselblad X2D, which is funny since the Fuji's have had it since 2019.
I think you've missed my point, which is that the common usage of the terms "full-frame" and "crop-sensor" is absurd. "Full-frame" has historically referred to an image not cropped AFTER capture, having nothing to do with the sensor size. A 35mm sensor is no fuller than any other. And, any consumer camera available today is "crop-sensor" when compared to this:
https://newatlas.com/photography/worlds-largest-camera-first-3200-megapi...
--- "'Full-frame' has historically referred to an image not cropped AFTER capture"
That is Incorrect. Since the early 2000's, over 2 decades now, full frame was coined after the 35mm film. That term has stuck since. This is why to this day, you'll see terms like "35mm equivalent" or "full fame equivalent". They are synonymous.
Full frame, crop sensor (APS-C), micro four thirds, medium format, large format; these are the names they have acquired and are commonly used so everyone has a good idea what someone is talking about. Trying to redefine them based on a literal sense instead of their figurative sense would make no sense. :D
History goes back more than 20 years. At least mine does.
Before DSLR manufactuers' marketing departments bastardized the phrase, its meaning was as I described through pretty much the entire film era. Folks who took up photography in the digital era may not be aware of the history, but dinosaurs like me who were active in the film era and made their own prints remember it well. Whether a print was "full-frame" or not had real significance in the editorial and art markets.
As for the current common usage, it's patently ridiculous to characterize 35mm as "full-frame" and larger formats as NOT full-frame. Is it really all that hard to say or type "35mm format"?
--- "History goes back more than 20 years. At least mine does"
No. Like I already said, "full frame" was during the digital era, more specifically when digital became popular in early 2000's.
Not once have I heard anyone, when they were rekindling their analog days, use the words "full frame". They'd either mention the film stock or some size like 4x6, etc. The reasoning for this could very well be because 35mm was the standard and understood as full frame. Which would make sense why in the mainstream digital era, it carried that moniker.
--- "Is it really all that hard to say or type '35mm format'?"
It's not that it's hard, it's just it's retarded. That's just some asinine progressive ideology of someone that can't come to terms with terms. You are not going to change 2 decades of industry standard definitions. You're going to be a flockless shepherd in this self-serving endeavor.
In the film era, "full-frame" was a term used in describing PRINTS. Although there was a brief period when "full-frame" was applied to 35mm film, this was simply to distinguish 35mm-format compacts from compacts that exposed only 1/2 of a 35mm-format frame at a time. These never sold well and largely vanished from the market. Folks in the '70s, 80's and 90's did not refer to 35mm-format SLRs as "full-frame", and the term retained its original meaning right up until DSLR makers' marketing departments misappropriated it.
In describing a light-sensitive area 24mm x 36mm, "35mm format" is historically consistent and descriptive. "Full-frame" is not, and the current misuse has the further disadvantage of implying, wrongly, that other formats are not "full".
Eddie, I agree with many of your posts when you're not addressing me, and those posts are generally civil. I wish you'd refrain from slinging insults here and every time you disagree with me.
I also agree with many of your posts. And, I generally lean towards keeping debates civil. But, even that has limitations, to which I may kick it up a notch or two. Nothing irks me more is when grown-ass men act like bratty little girls or some looney liberal; or when they gaslight; or just straight out lie. You've been in this "35mm format" crusade for at least 5 years in this site alone. No one is buying it. No one wants to drink your Kool-Aid. So, stop annoying people with it already. Jeepers creepers. Listen, if you want to use "35mm format", knock yourself out. No one stopping you. You just need to be ok with the fact there's probably going to be like only 3 of you.
Case in point, this whole thread. When I first read your initial comment at the beginning, I had no idea what you were rambling about. And, apparently, neither did Joe since he thought you were talking about IBIS. LOL. And, therein lies the problem. You know goddamn well what people are referring to when they say "full frame and crop-sensor cameras". You are just willfully playing dumb and being coy (like a little girl) to try to drive home your fruitless and trivial agenda.
At least since the 70's, ads with the words "full frame" and "35mm" can found in the same sentence or in reference to. You have no leg to stand. It's time you put on your big boy pants and give it up already.
Thanks to the moderators.
--- "My turn to 'kick it up a notch'"
--- "…so we can send you 'Get Well Soon' cards…"
Holy derangement syndrome, Batman! You are really taking this personally, aren't 'ya? The only thing you've managed to do is throw a hissy fit like an unhinged Karen. It just further confirms you are weak and defeated. Psssstt…don't I didn't see your "Go fuck yourself" comments you initially posted, twice. :D
In the spirit of the continual factual bludgeoning, I'll leave you with this:
Thanks to the moderators.
Man, oh, man. Now, you're just wildly flailing your arms around. I must have really touched a nerve. You've totally abandoned your own topic.
--- "Go find an able-bodied man on the street…<wah, sniff sniff, wah, sniff sniff>…"
Ah, the classic retarded retort when some crybaby gets their feelings hurt in an online argument. You seriously need to grow some skin. The irony is you're only saying this because you're behind a screen. But, to answer your question, yes, I will, do, and have, when warranted.
--- "In a moderated forum"
This is a moderated forum. It's unhinged knuckledraggers like you that end up getting booted because you get really mad and imply physical altercations.
--- "So, what's your real name?"
What are you, some kind of creepy stalker? And besides, that info will not change the fact you are getting ripped apart with reason, logic, common sense, and facts. Good 'ol fashion facts. My favorite F word. We all know what yours is. Hahaha
Okie dokie, then. To summarize your schooling, we've now learned from half a century ago, and quite possibly a full century ago, to present day, the term "full frame" and "35mm" are linked. I know riiiigght. These pesky facts. :D
What a baby. After the mods cleaned up your mess, you just had to smear your diaper all over the forum again.
This is how you argue:
"retarded", "assinine", "bratty little girls", "looney liberal", "gaslight", "straight out lie", "crybaby".
We all know you'd never get away with this behavior IRL. No wonder you're afraid to give your real name.
Nothing about the 5Ds or R5 is attractive to MF shooters. Itty bity view finders, tiny sensors, just a step back from the MF world.
Hasselblad H series - that'll attract a lot of attention with the kerTHUNK of the mirror.
XC camera setup, or any technical camera for that matter - will snag an few looks.
Big MF film camera, every time. Saw a 'tog with a Mamiya 7 snowboarding & had to compliment.
The Phase One XF IQ4 150 is the MF flagship product. But when you pair the GF 500mm with any of the 102mp GFX cameras, it's just fun.
I must say, between MPB, KEH, BHPhoto, and Adorama, I probably won't be buying new bodies anytime soon.
....dup
Ilya, it's interesting what you say about out of focus images with the XF, I've been using mine in the field in high intensity shoots for a few months (besides studio work) and have had only a couple out of focus images in around a couple of thousand. Are you using it wide open? I use rear button focus and I'm not using AFr, not even focus and recompose, I just focus on the chest and they are beautifully sharp at f11.
Sad that no large format camera gets anyone excited.
I don't understand the last two specific CANON examples. I think the point is that there are currently a number of full frame high megapixel cameras that challenge the resolution advantages of medium format digital cameras; no need to push a peronal brand favorite. I would agree though that what's available today has advanced significantly over the last hadful of years.
It’s nice that you mention a varied selection but two Canons..? Not a D850 (absolute best dslr ever made) or Z8 or Sonys 60mp beast.? No mention of Leica..?
I think you leave yourself open to criticism by not comparing the full range of heavyweights, did you actually go out and use all of these cameras..? Did you try them tethered (most MF users and high end dslr/mirrorless are pros who often shoot tethered)
So not a proper comparison, just an article that promotes MPB
Here we go again…. Somebody doing a review… well, not even a review, just some widths about cameras to get people’s GAS going.
Point 1. MF autofocus is rubbish.. especially compared to mirrorless and dslr’s, it just is.. spoken by one who knows..(sorry but I do).
Point 2. You mention a Canon 5Ds.. why, it’s not MF and it was never best in class in the world of full frame dslr’s, that goes the Nikon D850… you should check one out, many many say it was the best dslr ever made (I agree) you just have to look at how much it still sells for 2nd hand compared to the 5Ds.
As a long term medium format user my appetite isn’t whetted by an old dslr that wasn’t as good as the competition when it came out nor am I, or thousands of others interested in a FF 35mm mirrorless camera.
You mention two outstanding MF mirrorless cameras so why bother with a mirrorless 35mm..?
Your article is Total Tech rubbish.. articles need research, data, user experience and an original point of view.. go back and try again.